US8079547B2 - Flotation systems - Google Patents

Flotation systems Download PDF

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Publication number
US8079547B2
US8079547B2 US11/940,409 US94040907A US8079547B2 US 8079547 B2 US8079547 B2 US 8079547B2 US 94040907 A US94040907 A US 94040907A US 8079547 B2 US8079547 B2 US 8079547B2
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Prior art keywords
cover
float
flap
raft
floats
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US11/940,409
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US20090302155A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Yves Rivault
Stephane Berlureau
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Safran Aerosystems SAS
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Aerazur SAS
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Priority to US11/940,409 priority Critical patent/US8079547B2/en
Assigned to AERAZUR S.A.S. reassignment AERAZUR S.A.S. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BERLUREAU, STEPHANE, MR., RIVAULT, JEAN-YVES, MR.
Priority to EP08807005A priority patent/EP2185411B1/de
Priority to PCT/IB2008/002313 priority patent/WO2009031022A1/en
Priority to DE602008005160T priority patent/DE602008005160D1/de
Priority to CA2697066A priority patent/CA2697066C/en
Priority to AT08807005T priority patent/ATE499286T1/de
Publication of US20090302155A1 publication Critical patent/US20090302155A1/en
Publication of US8079547B2 publication Critical patent/US8079547B2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to ZODIAC AEROSAFETY SYSTEMS reassignment ZODIAC AEROSAFETY SYSTEMS CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: AERAZUR
Assigned to SAFRAN AEROSYSTEMS reassignment SAFRAN AEROSYSTEMS CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ZODIAC AEROSAFETY SYSTEMS
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C25/00—Alighting gear
    • B64C25/32—Alighting gear characterised by elements which contact the ground or similar surface 
    • B64C25/54—Floats
    • B64C25/56—Floats inflatable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/22—Devices for holding or launching life-buoys, inflatable life-rafts, or other floatable life-saving equipment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D25/00—Emergency apparatus or devices, not otherwise provided for
    • B64D25/08—Ejecting or escaping means
    • B64D25/18—Flotation gear
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C25/00—Alighting gear
    • B64C25/32—Alighting gear characterised by elements which contact the ground or similar surface 
    • B64C2025/325—Alighting gear characterised by elements which contact the ground or similar surface  specially adapted for helicopters

Definitions

  • This invention relates to flotation systems and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to systems for helicopters or other vessels in which flotation is provided separately for both the vessels and personnel (or cargo) carried by the vessels.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,592 to Parrott, et al. provides an example of a type of helicopter flotation system currently available for use.
  • the system includes a C-shaped girt attached directly to a horizontal landing skid of a helicopter. Packed within a flexible cover are multiple “side” and “center” floats which may be inflated upon deployment. Also included within the cover is an inflatable life raft.
  • the present invention seeks to resolve these and other deficiencies in the systems of the Parrott '592 and '305 patents.
  • floats and life rafts are packed separately, with rafts being attached onto exterior covers of the floats. Consequently, when the rafts are unneeded or require maintenance, they may be removed quickly and easily by merely detaching them from the float covers. Similarly, removal of the rafts permits maintenance to be performed on the floats without any need to unpack the rafts themselves.
  • floats of the present systems preferably attach to a bar rather than directly to a girt, vertical member, or horizontal landing skid of a vessel such as a helicopter.
  • a vessel such as a helicopter.
  • removal of both a float and any attached raft may occur simply by disengaging the bar from the helicopter, hence not requiring displacement of any girt, vertical member, or horizontal skid.
  • either or both of the floats and rafts may be integrated into the fuselage of, or otherwise attached within or outside, a vessel.
  • Present systems further may utilize a single activator for independently inflating both floats and rafts, avoiding any need for two separate devices. Use of such an activator would not prohibit employment of multiple actuation mechanisms, however. Other automatic or manual activators could be used for redundancy or back-up purposes, for example.
  • Versions of the present invention include at least one inflatable component, such as a float, packed together with a bar or similar elongated object.
  • a float such as a float
  • distinct upper and lower covers collectively surround the float and bar over much of their lengths. The bar nevertheless remains available for attachment to a vertical member or other portion of a vessel.
  • cover flaps Connected to the exterior of the upper cover may be one or more cover flaps (or similar materials). Such connection may occur in any appropriate way. Presently preferred, however, is that two cover flaps be integrally formed with or adhered to the upper cover.
  • Packed into a separate bag may be an inflatable life raft.
  • the bag too may include one or more bag flaps or similar materials. Again, presently preferred is that two flaps be utilized, with such bag flaps being formed with or connected to the bag as desired.
  • the cover flaps When the systems do not include a life raft, the cover flaps may be positioned so as to cover the lacings and connections between at least the upper cover and float and protect them from adverse environmental conditions (including but not limited to wind-related forces and debris). By contrast, when the system includes a raft, the cover flaps typically are unused.
  • the bag flaps perform analogous protective functions with the systems incorporating life rafts, while also providing one means to help attach the packed rafts to the exteriors of the float covers.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional, schematicized depiction of a flotation system of the present invention as packed with a float but without any attached life raft.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, schematicized depiction of the flotation system of FIG. 1 with an attached life raft.
  • FIG. 1 Shown in FIG. 1 is an exemplary flotation system 10 of the present invention.
  • System 10 preferably includes float 1 , bar 2 , respective lower and upper covers 3 and 4 , and two cover flaps 5 (designated 5 a and 5 b ).
  • Float 1 advantageously is inflatable (preferably with helium, although possibly with other gases or fluids) and, at least when inflated, buoyant in water.
  • system 10 When packed for transit or attachment to a vessel (i.e. when not in use), system 10 contemplates float 1 being uninflated (see FIG. 1 ). This allows float 1 to be folded upon itself and packed in a relatively small volume, consistent with its depiction in FIG. 1 . Float 1 also may be fastened or otherwise directly or indirectly attached to bar 2 in any appropriate manner.
  • Float 1 additionally may be attached directly or indirectly to either or both of lower cover 3 and upper cover 4 . Any such direct attachment preferably (although not necessarily) occurs via laces placed alternately in eyelets associated with any of float 1 or covers 3 or 4 and tied in a suitable manner. Eyelets, if present, may be fabric-welded or otherwise adhered or connected to the exterior surface of float 1 . Whichever method is used to attach the eyelets should not defeat the inflatability of float 1 , however.
  • lower cover 3 and upper cover 4 may overlap, facilitating protection of float 1 prior to deployment.
  • Lower cover 3 and upper cover 4 additionally may, but need not necessarily, be connected to each other (as, for example, at sections or links identified as C 1 and C 2 ). If cover 3 and 4 are connected, the connection cannot be so strong as to inhibit proper inflation of float 1 . Instead, whether or not connected, covers 3 and 4 should readily separate when float 1 is inflated.
  • FIGS. 1-2 further illustrate one or more cover flaps 5 of exemplary system 10 .
  • Flaps 5 when present, may be formed with or otherwise connected to upper cover 4 and are at least somewhat flexible. Accordingly, flaps 5 may be moved from a folded or rolled position (see FIG. 2 ), in which flaps 5 A and 5 B are unused, to an unrolled position (see FIG. 1 ) in which each of flaps 5 A and 5 B covers corresponding sets of eyelets and is connected to lower cover 3 at sections A 1 and A 2 .
  • Connections at A 1 and A 2 preferably occur using hook-and-loop fasteners. Those skilled in the relevant art will, however, recognize that other connectors may be employed instead. Similarly, formation of and connections to flaps 5 may be different than as depicted in FIG. 1 . Finally, although screws typically connect lower cover 3 and bar 2 at one or more points B, other fastening mechanisms may be utilized for this purpose as well.
  • raft 6 Life raft 6 is shown in FIG. 2 , as it too may be part of system 10 .
  • Raft 6 is intended to be inflatable, preferably with nitrogen, although possibly with other gases of fluids, when deployed for use. However, when packed for transit and prior to deployment, raft 6 preferably is uninflated and contained, wholly or partly, within bag 7 .
  • bag flaps 8 associated with bag 7 .
  • bag flaps 8 preferably are two in number ( 8 A and 8 B) and are integrally formed with, adhered, or otherwise connected to bag 7 . Flaps 8 too are at least somewhat flexible, so they may be connected to lower cover 3 at A 1 and A 2 (or perhaps instead to upper cover 4 ).
  • raft 6 When raft 6 is inflated, bag 7 is designed to open to expose the inflated raft 6 for use.
  • upper cover 4 for float 1 may include one or more provision flaps (with two, designated D 1 and D 2 , being illustrated). Such flaps D 1 and D 2 may in turn be connected to one or more connector flaps 9 A and 9 B formed with or connected to bag 7 .
  • links E 1 and E 2 preferably comprise eyelets and lacing, other types of fasteners may be used alternatively or additionally.
  • provision flaps D 1 and D 2 have no function to provide.
  • float 1 In use, float 1 is designed to inhibit sinking in water of a vessel such as a helicopter. Raft 6 , when present, may carry persons or cargo externally of the vessel. However, because raft 6 is not always needed for certain over-water and other flights, its omission could be beneficial from standpoints of, for example, weight, regulations, or cost. Hence, raft 6 is packed separately than float 1 and may be attached thereto or removed therefrom quickly and easily. Further, by utilizing bar 2 to connect system 10 to a vessel, the entire system 10 —whether or not raft 6 is included—may be removed from the vessel (when unneeded) without disturbing the vessel structure.
  • a single activator may be used, if desired, to inflate both float 1 and raft 6 .
  • the activator will include at least two positions, one causing inflation of float 1 and the other causing inflation of raft 6 .
  • a pilot or passenger
  • Preferred embodiments of the single activator are likely to permit differing motions to cause movement to the at least two positions.
  • use of such an activator would not prohibit employment of multiple actuation mechanisms, however, as other automatic or manual activators could be used for redundancy or back-up purposes.
  • Inflation of float 1 commences before inflation of raft 6 .
  • raft 6 may still inflate. If, alternatively, inflation of float 1 correctly commences first but unexpectedly is not completed (e.g. float 1 does not inflate fully), inflation of raft 6 nevertheless may occur. Thus, even if inflation of raft 6 is initiated or completed first, such inflation both (a) may occur satisfactorily and (b) should not prevent inflation of float 1 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Cleaning Or Clearing Of The Surface Of Open Water (AREA)
  • Cyclones (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
US11/940,409 2007-09-07 2007-11-15 Flotation systems Active 2030-05-29 US8079547B2 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/940,409 US8079547B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2007-11-15 Flotation systems
CA2697066A CA2697066C (en) 2007-09-07 2008-09-05 Flotation systems
PCT/IB2008/002313 WO2009031022A1 (en) 2007-09-07 2008-09-05 Flotation systems
DE602008005160T DE602008005160D1 (de) 2007-09-07 2008-09-05 Flotationssysteme
EP08807005A EP2185411B1 (de) 2007-09-07 2008-09-05 Flotationssysteme
AT08807005T ATE499286T1 (de) 2007-09-07 2008-09-05 Flotationssysteme

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US97058707P 2007-09-07 2007-09-07
US11/940,409 US8079547B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2007-11-15 Flotation systems

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090302155A1 US20090302155A1 (en) 2009-12-10
US8079547B2 true US8079547B2 (en) 2011-12-20

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/940,409 Active 2030-05-29 US8079547B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2007-11-15 Flotation systems

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US8079547B2 (de)
EP (1) EP2185411B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE499286T1 (de)
CA (1) CA2697066C (de)
DE (1) DE602008005160D1 (de)
WO (1) WO2009031022A1 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2735506A1 (de) 2012-11-27 2014-05-28 Airbus Helicopters Verfahren zur Anbringung eines Schwimmersystems an einem Flugzeug, Schwimmersystem für ein Flugzeug, und ein Flugzeug
US9067659B2 (en) 2012-12-20 2015-06-30 Air Cruisers Company Actuation systems principally for inflatable emergency equipment

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2264321A (en) * 1939-12-26 1941-12-02 Frank G Manson Lifesaving apparatus
US3181823A (en) * 1963-11-13 1965-05-04 Boeing Co Rescue system
US3506222A (en) * 1967-11-24 1970-04-14 Bell Aerospace Corp Aircraft supporting device
US4032088A (en) * 1976-04-08 1977-06-28 The Boeing Company Outrigger air bag landing system
EP0193265A1 (de) 1985-01-24 1986-09-03 Air Cruisers Company Flugzeugschwimmwerk
US20030060101A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-03-27 Parrott David G. Floatation system including life raft
US20030057322A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-03-27 Parrott David G. Floatation system
US6709019B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2004-03-23 Apical Industries, Inc. Quick connector with automatic release
US7207522B2 (en) 2003-08-15 2007-04-24 Apical Industries, Inc. Safety device trigger for activating a safety device
US7270348B2 (en) 2003-12-12 2007-09-18 Apical Industries, Inc. Releasable connector including swivel
US7309267B1 (en) * 2006-09-25 2007-12-18 Air Cruisers Company Integrated float raft

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2264321A (en) * 1939-12-26 1941-12-02 Frank G Manson Lifesaving apparatus
US3181823A (en) * 1963-11-13 1965-05-04 Boeing Co Rescue system
US3506222A (en) * 1967-11-24 1970-04-14 Bell Aerospace Corp Aircraft supporting device
US4032088A (en) * 1976-04-08 1977-06-28 The Boeing Company Outrigger air bag landing system
EP0193265A1 (de) 1985-01-24 1986-09-03 Air Cruisers Company Flugzeugschwimmwerk
US20030060101A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-03-27 Parrott David G. Floatation system including life raft
US20030057322A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2003-03-27 Parrott David G. Floatation system
US6644592B2 (en) * 2001-09-21 2003-11-11 Apical Industries, Inc. Floatation system
US6709019B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2004-03-23 Apical Industries, Inc. Quick connector with automatic release
US6709305B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2004-03-23 Apical Industries, Inc. Floatation system including life raft
US7115010B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2006-10-03 Apical Industries, Inc. Floatation system including life raft
US7207522B2 (en) 2003-08-15 2007-04-24 Apical Industries, Inc. Safety device trigger for activating a safety device
US7270348B2 (en) 2003-12-12 2007-09-18 Apical Industries, Inc. Releasable connector including swivel
US7309267B1 (en) * 2006-09-25 2007-12-18 Air Cruisers Company Integrated float raft

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
International Search Report dated Jan. 28, 2009 in related Application No. PCT/IB2008/002313.

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2735506A1 (de) 2012-11-27 2014-05-28 Airbus Helicopters Verfahren zur Anbringung eines Schwimmersystems an einem Flugzeug, Schwimmersystem für ein Flugzeug, und ein Flugzeug
FR2998541A1 (fr) * 2012-11-27 2014-05-30 Eurocopter France Procede d'agencement d'un systeme de flottabilite sur un aeronef, systeme de flottabilite pour aeronef, et aeronef
US9169008B2 (en) 2012-11-27 2015-10-27 Airbus Helicopters Method of arranging a buoyancy system on an aircraft, a buoyancy system for an aircraft, and an aircraft
US9067659B2 (en) 2012-12-20 2015-06-30 Air Cruisers Company Actuation systems principally for inflatable emergency equipment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE499286T1 (de) 2011-03-15
US20090302155A1 (en) 2009-12-10
CA2697066C (en) 2016-06-28
EP2185411A1 (de) 2010-05-19
DE602008005160D1 (de) 2011-04-07
WO2009031022A1 (en) 2009-03-12
EP2185411B1 (de) 2011-02-23
CA2697066A1 (en) 2009-03-12

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